Sheila’s Planting

Work begins on changing the woodland cover in Mid – Holderness

An exciting new woodland has been created in Mid-Holderness, Near Withernwick, East Yorkshire.

Local landowner, Andrew Heuck, has been improving his land for wildlife and climate mitigation for some time. He is a keen naturalist, is passionate about the countryside and understands the importance of using trees and hedges as a means of improving the connectivity of the local landscape.

The new woodland will add to other plantations, creating a bigger woodland and a haven for wildlife. By introducing a variety of species suited to the location, it will join up the area with more woodland close-by and is also aimed at helping the recovery of locally scarce species such as Turtle Dove and White-Letter Hairstreak Butterflies.

Summary of the project

Andrew explained: ‘I wanted to plant a new wood in memory of my mother Sheila. Humber Forest have proved to be an ideal partner in helping to plan and co-ordinate the scheme. This project has taken our total to over 120,00 trees planted in the last 20 years, and with more in the pipeline we hope to use Humber Forest again. I hope all the planting we have done will change the look of the area for the better and will improve biodiversity and wildlife which my mother loved.’

Andrew’s farm manager Simon approached White Rose Forest initially and asked about how they could help create a new woodland to aid wildlife recovery and improve the local environment. White Rose Forest passed the enquiry to Humber Forest as it is in our area, and we arranged a site visit to see how this could be made a reality.

We developed a detailed plan. Andrew was happy with this, and we sent it for checks. A representative from Natural England visited the site and was supportive of the project and what we wanted to achieve. We were able to include suitable shrub and tree species such as wych elm and alder buckthorn to cater for a variety of wildlife. The Environmental Impact Assessment took this into account, and we added in areas of low woodland and scrub specifically aimed at species such as Turtle Dove, warblers and locally scarce insects.

Andrew was keen to use a local contractor and was interested in making the tree protection as sustainable as possible by reducing the use of plastics. However, the cost of these products compared to the plastic tree guards meant that it was too much of an outlay for a small local contractor. The alternative approach was to include a tree guard recycling phase at the end of the establishment period thus using cost effective tree guards but making sure most are removed as the trees have less need for them.

The site covers a total gross area of 5.88 hectares with 4.55 hectares of woodland with 809m of new hedge. Open ground and shaped edges being included in the design. A total of 12,235 native trees and shrubs were planted over a three-week period. Species include: pedunculate oak, hornbeam, whitebeam, common alder, wild cherry, field maple, small-leaved lime, crab apple, holly, spindle and rowan. A variety of fruiting shrubs were also planted.

Project impact

Natural flood management and water quality: The site can get wet at times and so the planting should help with mitigating flood risk and reduce run-off from the surrounding fields. It will also help with improving water quality entering a local Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Public access and management: As the site matures it is hoped that controlled public access will be encouraged to study the wildlife and enjoy the countryside.

Enhancing wildlife: The site features a new diverse woodland connecting with existing habitats to create an improved wildlife haven. The open areas and edge effect will further enhance the wildlife value of the planting. The hope is that a wide variety of species will make this place home and be able to spread out in the local area along the new hedgerows.

Contribution to Net Zero: The project is expected to capture approximately 2000 tonnes of carbon over the lifetime of the woodland.

Engagement, health and wellbeing: Sheila’s Planting will act as a legacy project in memory of the landowner’s mum, Sheila, and a focus for the family. As the woodland matures it will provide a lovely walk and nature experience.

Employment and skills: The project was undertaken by J W Witty Fencing and Landscape Services to a very high standard. Local people were employed in the planting and aftercare. Ideas about the long-term establishment of the woodland were shared.

‘We have planted over 120,000 trees in the last 20 years.’

Andrew Heuck, landowner

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